Hi there! New Kid here. I come to you currently from Orange County, here to report on all things food and health related. In the past three years, I have lived in some of the most amazing cities in America – San Diego, Chicago, San Francisco, and most recently, Orange County. By coincidence (or not), they also happen to be some of the best food capitals in the world. San Diego taught me what a real fish taco should taste like, Chicago helped me appreciate the art of deep dish and comfort foods, and San Francisco made me want to open my own food truck. Aside from having incredible travel and eating experiences these past few years, I have also been fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings in the nutrition world, which has taught me so much about health, wellness, and living a balanced (yet very adventurous!) lifestyle. It occurred to me recently that I was doing a terrible injustice to the world by keeping all of my food adventures, cooking experiments, and wellness learnings to myself! Hence, the idea for the blog was born.

I am here to provide tastebud enlightenment to the mundane day-to-day routine. Eating should be an experience, not a task. Quite simply – I like to eat foods that taste good. As a Registered Dietitian, I also focus on foods that make me feel good, delivering my body with action-packed nutrients to get me moving and living life to the fullest. And yes, while I do truly love a good kale and quinoa salad for dinner, I equally enjoy a glass of wine or dark chocolate indulgence now and again. Life is all about balance, and I hope this blog reflects that motto wholeheartedly. So eat on my friends – cheers to adventures, aspirations, and avocados!

Professional Background 

After growing up in the amazing Chicagoland area, I headed west for college, graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutrition from San Diego State University. During my undergraduate experience, I worked in clinical research, foodservice, American Red Cross Women, Infants, and Children, and interned at Taco Bell headquarters. After graduation, I completed the Aramark Healthcare Dietetic Internship in Chicago at various healthcare and community settings. I then relocated to San Francisco for a Nutrition Services Manager position with Aramark at St. Mary’s Medical Center. After about a year in San Francisco, I  entered the nutrition communications field at a public relations firm back in Chicago. Recently, I relocated yet again and returned to Taco Bell as the Nutrition and Food Policy Program Manager. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such fantastic opportunities this early in my career, and am genuinely excited about growing in the nutrition field for years to come!

Disclosure Statement 

New Kid On The Guac is a personal blog written by me, registered dietitian Marissa Thiry. All of the views expressed are my own and not a representation of my employers or clients. Occasionally, I have been given the opportunity to team up with brands, products, etc. for sponsored posts. I promise to clearly identify these posts and disclose this partnership with you, the reader. Furthermore, the partnerships I engage in will align with my personal beliefs and the posts will reflect those beliefs and experiences wholeheartedly. If at any time you have questions about product reviews, partnerships, etc. please reach out to me and I will happily respond.